The tourists from all over the country and abroad can benefit out of the winter season of Char Dham Yatra.
During winters, the weather is clear and the incident of cloudburst, flood and landslides is relatively lower. In an interaction with the media at Delhi, CM Harish Rawat said that the yatra during winters will be more smoother. Usually Char Dham Yatra is carried out for six months between April- May and October-November.
After Yatra, once portals of all four dhams are closed, the idol of Yamuntri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath being placed at Kharsali, Mukhba, Omkareshwar Temple of Ukhimath, and Narsingh temple respectively and being worshipped.
The winter season of Char Dham Yatra will give new opportunities of tourism.
Along with pilgrimage, tourists can participate in adventure tourism, eco-tourism and wildlife tourism.
During winters, yatra till Govindghaat will be organised. When there is fog and cold in winters in plain areas, there is sunlight and clear weather in hills. The yatra will be more scenic and beautiful during rains. Thus the tourists will face no weather obstructions in winters.
Owing to winters, tourism will get a boost in off season. Taxi and other services will be made available at cheaper rates.
Besides religious tourism, other activities can also be encouraged. Skiing can be enjoyed at Dyara in Uttarkashi, Auli in Chamoli, Chopta in Rudraprayag depending on snow. Majority of National Parks open by November 15.
Wildlife lovers can benefit out of this. Along with this trekking can be organised in Saat Taal Trek, Panchmukhi mahadev in Harshil, Dugalvita- Chopta- Tungnath- Chandrasheela, Kwaripaas- Auli- Taali- Khulra and Joshimath- Kalpeshwar routes.
River rafting can also be enjoyed. A mountain biking competition has also been proposed. Post disaster-2013, the roads have been repaired and basic infrastructural facilities have been developed. Thus, the yatra could be successfully conducted. The state hosted over 4 lakh pilgrims.
The Himalayan Mahakumbh Nanda Raaj Jaat yatra has also been successfully conducted. Several parts of the State have been connected to aerial services. Helicopter facility is available for Char Dhams. Himalaya Darshan scheme has also been introduced.